A first for Guernsey to take place on World Social Work Day

Published by Professional Social Work magazine - 8 March 2019

Guernsey’s first ever social work conference will take place on World Social Work Day.

The title of the event on 19 March will be 'Promoting the importance of Human Relationships', in line with the International Federation of Social Workers' theme for year.

Organiser Jules Shaw, senior lecturer in social work at The Institute of Health and Social Care on Guernsey, said: “The speakers are a mixture of local professionals and some from the UK. We are very excited to hold this, the first social work conference on the island as it will reach many of the local workforce.

“While Guernsey has a robust training programme, many professionals have to visit the UK for some specialist courses and training which adds further expense of flights and accommodation.”

Guernsey, one of the Channel islands, is closer to France than the UK and has a population of around 63,000. There are around 100 social workers on the island.

Shaw added: “Social work brings the same challenges here as in the UK as well as differences. Small island living can bring both challenges and benefits including a good work life balance.”

For more information about the conference email Alison.hughes@gov.gg

This article is published by Professional Social work magazine which provides a platform for a range of perspectives across the social work sector. It does not necessarily reflect the views of the British Association of Social Workers.